“I guess my advice would be to learn your instrument well, and to upgrade your
recording and production skills. Most of all, I would advise artists to learn to write good
songs, the sooner the better, either alone or with others, because even though the music
business has changed in delivery over the years, it is still the business of songs that peo-
ple enjoy and singles are still the way to break new artists, and keep existing artists in the
public ear. Song revenue and covers of your songs on compilation albums and jingles /
movie soundtracks (synch) can keep you in comfort for the rest of your life long after the
bands you form split up and record sales decline.
This is why it's important to study or take a course in music business , to learn about
the importance of copyright and revenue streams.”
Rod Coombes, Stealers Wheel/ Strawbs
http://www.stealerswheelofficial.com (soon to be launched)
“Welcome to the team!
Things to remember: your love of music, the importance of thanking your opener and
your headliner at shows, stylistic experimentation and growth, future-looking business
savvy, the power of giving back to your fans, your true and real need for help (monetary
and otherwise), and that professionalism is requisite; don’t stoop.
Things to forget: bad shows, losing money on albums, bitterness, un-won contests,
exclusion from “it” musician clubs, lousy press, no press, nay-sayers.”
Emily Hurd, Solo artist
http://www.emilyhurd.com